Japan's 2026 Autumn Foliage Forecast, City by City

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

Autumn leaves, known in Japan as koyo, are one of the great seasonal events of the year, and timing matters. This guide summarizes a forecast reported by Nippon.com in early September 2026 so you can see roughly when leaves in several major cities were expected to change. Forecasts are estimates, not promises. Weather over the following weeks can move the dates, so please check the latest updates from a weather service or tourism office before you book anything.

What the Forecast Said

Nippon.com published a report on September 4, 2026, citing a forecast from the Japan Meteorological Corporation issued on September 2. The report said foliage would peak somewhat later in 2026 than in a typical year. It also cautioned that forecasts can change. That is a useful reminder to treat any date as a window rather than a deadline.

Yellow Leaves: Expected Peak Dates

The report listed expected peaks for yellow leaves, such as ginkgo, in several cities. According to the forecast, the dates were:

Sapporo: November 6
Nagoya: November 17
Osaka: November 24
Tokyo: November 26
Kyoto: November 27
Fukuoka: November 27

Red Leaves: Expected Peak Dates

For red leaves, such as maples, the forecast gave the following expected peaks.

Sapporo: November 7
Tokyo: November 29
Nagoya: December 2
Osaka: December 4
Fukuoka: December 7
Kyoto: December 11

Notice how the order changes between yellow and red. Kyoto's yellow peak was expected earlier than its red peak by about two weeks, while Sapporo's two peaks were expected one day apart. If you are building a trip around specific colors, it helps to know which you care about most.

Reading a Forecast Wisely

A forecast gives a central estimate, but real conditions vary by location within a city. A single park may be at a different stage than a temple a few kilometers away. Weather can also shift the timing, so check updates during the weeks before your trip. When in doubt, plan flexible days so you can choose the best spots as conditions become clearer.

Planning Around the Dates

Here is a simple way to use the forecast.

Write down your travel dates and the expected peaks for the cities you plan to visit.
Decide whether you prefer to arrive before, at, or just after the peak. Many travelers enjoy the days leading up to the peak, when crowds may be lighter, though this is a general idea and not a guarantee.
Book refundable or changeable accommodation if you can, since dates may shift.
Check for updates from official tourism sites for each city a few days before you go.
Keep a backup plan for rainy days, such as a museum, a tea house, or a covered shopping street.
If you are visiting famous viewing spots, consider weekdays and early mornings.

Staying Comfortable

Late autumn can be cool, especially in northern regions and in the mornings and evenings. Dress in layers, wear shoes that handle uneven paths, and carry water. If you plan to hike, tell someone your route and check the weather, because mountain conditions can change quickly. The Tokyo Paul article on autumn leaves, "The Autumn Chase Japan Takes as Seriously as Cherry Blossom Season," explains more about the tradition.

A Quick Note on Bears

In some regions, autumn hiking can mean sharing trails with wildlife. Tochigi Prefecture's English guidance on bears advises hikers to alert bears that they are nearby with bear bells or a radio, to avoid going out at dusk and early morning, and to stick to trails that many hikers use. It also advises that if you see a bear, you keep your eye on it and back away slowly, never showing your back and running. Follow local signs and advice wherever you hike.

Etiquette at Popular Spots

Leaf viewing draws crowds. Keep to paths, avoid picking leaves or branches, and do not block walkways when taking photographs. Keep voices low near temples and shrines, and follow any rules about tripods or food. Take your trash with you.

Building a Flexible Route

Because the colors move through the country at different times, a route that follows the forecast can stretch your viewing season. Some travelers look at the earlier dates in the north and then plan a later stop in a city where the leaves are expected to peak afterward. This is only an idea, and it depends on your schedule and budget. If you try it, check train and accommodation options in advance, leave a rest day if you can, and keep a list of alternative viewing spots in case weather changes your plans.

Packing Notes

Bring a light rain jacket, a warm layer, a small umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes. A compact bag for trash and a reusable water bottle are helpful. If you plan to photograph leaves, a microfiber cloth for your lens is handy, since damp autumn air can leave marks. Pack a portable charger too, since you will probably use your phone for maps and forecasts.

A Snapshot From Today

Japan-Guide's autumn colors page states that it was last updated on October 24, 2026. At that update, it listed Sapporo, Onuma Park, Mount Hakkoda, Hachimantai, Urabandai, Lake Towada, Karuizawa, Kamikochi, Nikko, and the Kuju Mountains as being at peak color, while Jozankei and the Alpine Route were beyond peak and Daisetsuzan was at the end of its season. Naruko Gorge was listed as approaching peak, and Fuji Five Lakes, Koyasan, and Mount Daisen as starting to change. Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Korankei, and Miyajima were still listed as green. This is a snapshot of one day, so check the page again before you travel.

Forecast Windows From the Same Page

The same page lists the forecast peak for Tokyo as late November to early December, and for Kyoto as mid November to early December. These are windows, not exact dates, which is helpful because the exact day will depend on weather over the coming weeks. If your dates are fixed, consider choosing a base with options both nearby and slightly farther away.

How to Use Two Kinds of Sources

The city-by-city dates quoted earlier in this guide come from a September forecast, while the Japan-Guide snapshot reflects conditions on the ground at the end of October. Used together, they give you a more balanced picture: the September forecast suggests when peaks are expected, and the October status shows how the season is actually progressing. If they disagree, trust the newer status and check the latest forecasts.

Planning Around Uncertainty

Foliage peaks are moving targets. A trip planned for a specific weekend may be a little early or late, but there is often color to enjoy before and after the exact peak. Consider building your schedule around several places at different elevations, since leaves change first in higher areas. Keep your plans flexible, and avoid prepaying non refundable options unless you are comfortable with the risk.

Staying Safe While Leaf Hunting

Mountain areas can be cold, and conditions can change quickly. Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes, check the forecast, and follow local advice on trail conditions. Read our bear safety guide before hiking, and tell someone your route. In crowded spots, move with the flow, keep to paths, and do not step on planted areas.

Questions People Ask

When does Tokyo peak? The forecast gave November 26 for yellow leaves and November 29 for red.

When does Kyoto peak? November 27 for yellow and December 11 for red, according to the same forecast.

Is this forecast guaranteed? No. The report itself notes that forecasts can change.

Where can I find updates? Look for the latest forecasts from weather services and city tourism offices.

Enjoying the Season Even If Timing Is Off

If your dates do not match the forecast, do not worry. Parks, gardens, and temples can be beautiful at many stages of the season. A few leaves still clinging to branches, or a carpet of fallen leaves on a path, can be as memorable as peak color.

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Tokyo Paul's Japan Photography Book Stunning Photos of Japanese Cityscapes, Shrines, Festivals & Nature is described on Amazon as a collection of pictures of those subjects from the author's YouTube Japan walks, with locations clearly labeled. See the book on Amazon